Introducing the highly anticipated 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC, set to hit the roads this spring as the premier choice for a gasoline-powered compact luxury SUV. With its refined new engine, enhanced spaciousness and comfort, and an array of convenient safety features, the GLC solidifies its position as the best-selling Mercedes model in the United States.
Built on the same platform as the esteemed C-Class sedan, this latest iteration is expected to widen the gap between competitors such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT5, Genesis GV70, Lexus RX, and Lincoln Nautilus.
New features
In line with the legacy of dominant sedans, the top-selling compact and midsize SUVs achieve their success by excelling in every aspect and avoiding significant flaws. The 2023 GLC effortlessly fulfills these criteria by incorporating various upgrades, including advanced front and rear suspensions, expanded passenger and cargo space, and a range of enticing features.
Notably, the new GLC boasts a 2.4-inch increase in length compared to its predecessor. It’s meticulously designed interior offers ample legroom and headspace for both front and rear occupants. When compared to rival vehicles, the cargo compartment holds its own, complemented by the standard inclusion of a power tailgate for added convenience.
Stepping inside the well-appointed cabin of the GLC, you’ll find leather upholstery and elegant, low-gloss brown ash wood trim. The dashboard showcases a configurable 12.3-inch instrument panel with a sharp, vibrant display, complemented by an 11.9-inch touchscreen. The touch screen is exceptionally bright, ensuring clear visibility and responsive functionality.
However, it is worth noting a drawback that persists across many vehicles—there is an unfortunate scarcity of physical buttons or dials for frequently used controls like audio volume, temperature adjustment, and fan speed.
Automakers have increasingly favored cost-effective touch screens or capacitive controls for various functions, even those that should be easily accessible without diverting one’s attention from the road. Another area of improvement lies in Mercedes’ digital assistant, which exhibits occasional inconsistency, chiming in when uninvoked and struggling with relatively common commands.
On a positive note, the GLC comes equipped with wireless charging, as well as standard support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity and convenience for users.
According to Mercedes-Benz USA, the prices for the Mercedes GLC 300 and GLC 300 4Matic are as follows:
- GLC 300: $47,100 (excluding $1,150 destination charge).
- GLC 300 4Matic: $49,200 (excluding $1,150 destination charge).
Please note that these prices are based on the information provided by Mercedes-Benz USA and are subject to change. It’s always a good idea to verify the latest pricing and trim levels directly with a Mercedes-Benz dealership or the official Mercedes-Benz website.
In addition to the mentioned features, the interior of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 also offers a range of other desirable elements, including:
- A fingerprint sensor that allows for personalized driver profile settings, ensuring a customized driving experience for each driver.
- Standard heated front seats with memory and lumbar support, providing comfort and convenience during colder weather.
- Ambient lighting with animation creates an inviting and stylish atmosphere within the cabin.
- Programmable favorite driving mode, enabling drivers to customize and save their preferred driving settings for easy access.
- Blind spot assist is a safety feature that helps detect and alert the driver of vehicles in their blind spots, enhancing overall safety while driving.
- A sunroof, allows natural light and fresh air to fill the cabin, enhancing the overall sense of openness and enjoyment.
- Optional Burmester audio system with 15 speakers and 710 watts, delivering exceptional sound quality for an immersive audio experience.
- Optional ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, provide additional comfort options for both the driver and passengers.
- Optional heated steering wheel, ensuring the steering wheel remains warm during colder temperatures, enhancing driver comfort.
The driving experience
The driving experience of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is marked by its smooth and powerful performance, thanks to the inclusion of a mild hybrid turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine. With an output of 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, this engine provides ample power for acceleration and passing maneuvers.
What sets the GLC 300 apart is the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which contributes an extra boost of up to 23 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system enhances the vehicle’s acceleration capabilities, allowing it to reach 0-60 mph in a swift 6.2 seconds. The top speed of the GLC 300 is rated at 132 mph.
One notable aspect of Mercedes’ new family of mild hybrid engines is their impressive smoothness. The engine operates quietly with minimal vibrations, providing a refined and comfortable driving experience. Additionally, the hybrid system seamlessly shuts off the engine when idling or coasting at highway speeds, contributing to fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Overall, the driving impressions of the 2023 Mercedes GLC 300 highlight its powerful and smooth performance, made even more impressive by the seamless integration of the mild hybrid technology.
The nine-speed automatic transmission in the 2023 Mercedes GLC 300 operates seamlessly, with shifts that are hardly noticeable during regular driving. However, when engaged in sport mode, the transmission holds gears longer and delivers more authoritative shifts, enhancing the sporty driving experience.
The steering of the GLC is quick and direct, providing a responsive and engaging feel. The suspension is well-tuned, effectively maintaining stability during acceleration and quick maneuvers while also offering a comfortable ride by absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road.
Thanks to its sleek design, the GLC has minimal aerodynamic disturbances, resulting in a smooth and quiet ride even at high speeds. The interior of the vehicle remains well-insulated, keeping wind and road noise at bay, and contributing to a serene driving environment.
While the GLC is primarily designed for on-road driving, Mercedes has included a camera system that provides a “transparent hood” view, allowing drivers to see the immediate surroundings under the front of the vehicle, including the steering path and front wheels. This feature can be particularly useful in certain off-road situations, despite the GLC’s focus on on-road performance.
The GLC 300 comes equipped with an all-wheel-drive system that prioritizes on-road control and performance. By default, it distributes 55% of the torque to the rear wheels, enhancing the vehicle’s handling and traction. The standard wheel size is 18 inches, but larger 19- and 20-inch wheels are also available for those seeking a more striking appearance.
Safety features
- Automatic high beams
- Adaptive cruise control with route-based speed adaptation
- Active lane keeping
- Lane centering
- Active lane change assist
- Active braking for front collisions
- Attention Assist
- Pedestrian alert
- LED headlights and taillights
- Blind spot and cross-traffic alert and assist
- Exit alert for oncoming vehicles
- Head-up display
- Augmented reality navigation
- Automatic parking
Here is a quick overview of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300:
- Base price: $47,100 (excluding the $1,150 destination charge)
- Configuration: Compact rear- or all-wheel-drive five-passenger luxury SUV
- Availability: Currently on sale
- Model tested: EGLC 300 4Matic
- Price as tested: $58,850 (excluding destination charge)
- Powertrain: 2.0L engine generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque
- Additional power: 48-volt starter-generator can provide an extra 23 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque for short periods.
These specifications provide a snapshot of the 2023 GLC 300, highlighting its pricing, configuration, availability, and key performance attributes.